It’s artist and illustrator Aubrey Beardsley’s birthday today! He was born in Brighton England in 1872 and died young of TB in France in 1898. Although his main body of work only spans 6 years, the work is unmistakable and it is clear that Beardsley had his own highly individualistic style.
Beardsley Excalibur how sir belvedere cast the sword excalibur into the water
He was an art editor for the Yellow Book , an art periodical. His style is Art Nouveau and is mostly in black ink format, though did illustrate in colour sometimes. A lot of his drawings have erotic elements, especially his mythology and history themes.
beardsley the slippers of cinderella 1894
His drawings are exquisite though. He illustrated Oscar Wilde’s Salome amongst other historical themes, He also turned his hand to political satire with his caricatures. He was also a writer:as well as his editorial work he also began writing an erotic novel which he wasn’t to finish.
The Peacock Skirt from Salome by Beardsley
He was an eccentric person and liked to reflect the decadence of the period in his work. He influenced many artists, including the French Symbolists. For a more detailed look at his life see HERE, and for more of his exquisite drawings………….look HERE
Echostains Blog 
5 thoughts on “Happy Birthday Aubrey Beardsley!”